The collection, disposal and recycling of used oils and fats is essential to protect the environment. Used oil is classified as hazardous waste: if improperly disposed of or used incorrectly, it can be highly polluting. When it is poured on the ground, it seeps into the soil, contaminating the aquifer that supplies drinking water and irrigation water for crops. When released into water, it forms a harmful film that depletes oxygen and kills all life forms. If burned inappropriately, it emits pollutants into the atmosphere, which can lead to poisoning and illnesses.
TRS holds a licence from CONOU, the Italian National Consortium for Used Oils. Quality and safety are vital for participation in the supply chain. TRS holds the ISO 9001 quality certification and the ISO 14001 environmental certification.
Collection is carried out without charge to the waste holder, while the costs of collection are covered by the Consortium. Additionally, CONOU provides financial compensation to regeneration companies (Italian Law 166 of 20/11/2009) to enable them to market regenerated bases at market prices. The collection service is entirely free of charge for producers of used lubricants that do not contain substances preventing regeneration. In the latter case, oils are sent for combustion or, in extreme cases, thermal destruction, with the associated costs borne by the waste holder.
The CONOU supply chain is an example of a circular economy: it collects, manages and regenerates used lubricating oil. This process generates numerous benefits:
- Lower CO2 emissions into the air
- Positive impact on human health and ecosystem quality
- Savings for the country through reduced imports of raw materials
- Job creation along the supply chain
- Lower bills for citizens
The Consortium’s supply chain collects, manages and sends used lubricating oil for regeneration all over Italy, achieving nearly 100% circularity. CONOU works with around 70 companies that collect used oil nationwide, sorting it at their facilities before directing it to various disposal and recovery destinations. The Consortium is a typical example of collaboration between the public and private sector; the Board of Statutory Auditors (a supervisory body) includes representatives from the Italian Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. A highlight of the Italian green economy, the Consortium not only collects used lubricating oils to prioritise their allocation to the regeneration industry but is also at the forefront of informing and raising public awareness about circular economy issues and the proper management of used mineral oils.